The Royalist - One Doesn't Love Your Funny Face

One Doesn't Love Your Funny Face

Written by Joanne Leyland

Wednesday, 04 June 2008

The Queen and Prince Philip may have thought they’d seen everything during more than six decades on the public stage; from bare-breasted women offering tribal greetings to members of one’s own family dressed up as part of a medieval game show.

Today, though, came a sight few would expect to see greeting Her Majesty as, in response to a broad smile, she was faced with a grotesque grimace which even Prince Philip himself couldn’t better at the point he discovered his granddaughter is about to become a journalist!

The royal couple have been in the North West of England for a day of engagements in Cumbria.

Aside from the standard meet-and-greet with members of the public who turned out to say hello, the couple were in for something of a shock as they toured the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, for what was that man doing with a traditional horse's collar around his neck?!

As you can see, Tommy Mattinson had his own unique welcome for the Queen and her husband as he embarked on a display of the face-pulling skills which have earned him the title of World Gurning Champion no less than ten times.

I think the slightly perplexed look on the Queen's face says it all!